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Protection

Choosing the right course of action is essential, as it is illegal to intentionally harm or kill birds. You are not allowed to take bird eggs, and disturbing, damaging or destroying nests is against the law.

Solving the problem without harming the bird

A broad range of techniques are available to deal with nuisance caused by birds. This includes:

• noise deterrents such as recordings of the bird’s own alarm calls
• using a scarecrow or model owl
• using netting or bird-spikes, which prevent birds landing or accessing areas where they are known to cause problems

An example of where netting can be used effectively is with the Herring Gull. The gull commonly nests on roof-tops where their noise and swooping at people can be a nuisance.  Netting the site before the gulls return in spring can prevent this problem from recurring.

If you are having bird problems, it's worth identifying what sort of bird is causing the problem. It may affect what you can do about the problem.  For example, disturbing certain specially protected birds when they are on or near their nest is illegal, so scaring would not be appropriate then.

• For more information on specially protected birds follow the link Opens new window
• You can look the bird up in a book of birds, an encyclopaedia or on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds website Opens new window

What you can do if this doesn’t work

Not all of the measures you can take are lasting solutions. The law recognises that in some circumstances you may be able to take action that would normally be seen as an offence (this is called ‘licensing’). Licences are only available for certain types of problem:

• to protect public health and safety
• to prevent serious damage to crops, vegetables and fruit

• For more information on when licensing applies contact Natural England Opens new window

Other organisations that can help with bird problems

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

The RSPB can offer you advice about birds and bird-related law, but does not collect young or abandoned birds – you should leave these where they are found.

 The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA)

The RSPCA or a private veterinary practice, can advise you on what to do with injured birds.

• For more information about birds and bird-related law from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Opens new window
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Opens new window

Local Councils

Local councils have limited scope to deal with bird-related problems since these are not usually within their responsibility. In some circumstances they may take action under a general licence to reduce feral pigeon or gull numbers for public health reasons.

• Find your local council